New program aims to encourage young voices for the cattle industry in New Mexico
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – As New Mexico ranchers get older many are wondering, will their family traditions survive? Now a new local program is encouraging young people to stick up for the industry.
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That's the goal of the Linda Davis Young Cattlemen's Leadership Academy. As ranchers across the country are aging, the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association wants to make sure the next generation is equipped to look out for the interests of the industry.
'We really need to get younger agriculturalists involved and in leadership positions and develop those skills,' said Mason Grau, a 5th generation cattle rancher in Grady, New Mexico, and a participant in the academy program.
The focus of the program is to go beyond ranching itself and help young ranchers cultivate the skills they need to navigate the changing industry. Part of that is being a voice at this year's legislative session. 'Part of the reason we are in this leadership class is to learn to be advocates for agriculture in order to leave a legacy for the future generations of agriculturalists,' said Grau.
Their goal this session is to make sure leaders know what proposals they support and which ones they oppose. One of the bills they are advocating for is Senate Bill 8, which would allow for a percentage of student loans to be repaid to veterinary students focused on large animals.
'We need large animal vets. We are at a huge disadvantage in the state to be able to work our livestock. Any time that we have sick livestock, now you have to get a prescription and have to get a vet consultation. Sometimes that could take two or three days before you can get a vet and by that time, it's too late,' said New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association President Bronson Corn.
A bill they are opposing is Senate Bill 4 which aims at putting limits on greenhouse gas emissions. The association fears the bill would negatively impact local ranchers. They hope the new program will impress upon young people it's up to them to make a difference.
'We can't expect our peers to advocate for us if we're not going to be up here doing it ourselves. It's important for all the young people to get involved,' said Marissa Diles, another program participant.
The association said they plan to run the program annually. Applications will open up in the fall.
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